I apologize if this is a repeat...I had submitted this topic 2x (under nickname: tworiverstradingco) but have not seen it show up in the discussion boards. I have points available, so I don't think I've been banned. Please read my questions below:

I have a customer who is requesting CE Certificates for the products I am selling to him. As I am new to the world of international trade (export) I am unsure as to what a CE Certificate is. I have done some research on the term CE Certificate and have decided that it pertains to a certification of quality for products that are entering the European Union (of which his country is a member) or some other foreign market. Is this correct?

Since my company is the middleman (we purchase from manufacturer's rep and resell) do I need to get the CE Certification from the manufacturer? I assume so, but am unsure.

Another question: He is purchasing 15 of Brand XX Model XV; 10 of Brand XX Model XI; and 5 of Brand MM Model SS. As you can see he is ordering 30 products total...do we need 30 CE Certificates or do we need only 3 (the number of Models)? My guess is 3, but I want to be certain.

One last question: What does the abbreviation CE stand for?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Replying to [outdoorsports]:
CE marking is a declaration by the manufacturer that the product meets all the appropriate provisions of the relevant legislation implementing certain European Directives. CE marking gives companies easier access into the European market to sell their products without adaptation or rechecking. The initials "CE" do not stand for any specific words but are a declaration by the manufacturer that his product meets the requirements of the applicable European Directive(s).
hth.

Replying to [supraguy] and [outdoorsports].
I beg to differ here. CE marking is NOT a declaration by the Manufacturer, but is indeed, an official document, issued by an authorized and recognised Yesting Laboratory which states that the product in question has passed the relevant European Standard. This means that the product has been tested by a recognised laboratory to the European standard. Almost all equipment sold in Europe must have been tested, passed, and been issued with such a certificate.
Do a Google search for "ce markings" and read up.
If a buyer requests a copy of the Certificate of Compliance, the seller must supply this, as otherwise, the buyer may not be able to import or sell such item.

Replying to [supraguy]:

Supraguy,

Thanks for the response. I appreciate it.

For some reason I can respond with this nickname, but cannot post a topic under it. Weird.

Thanks again.

Replying to [grigo]:

Grigo,

Thanks for responding! I had initially thought that the CE was just a paper certificate until I did some research by way of Google and found companies who provide CE Certificate service to manufacturers (doing testing and the like). These sites mentioned a mark. That is when I came to the conclusion that perhaps the CE Certification is 2 fold. A mark on the product and a paper CE Certificate. Is this correct?

Once again thanks for the response.

Replying to [tworiverstradingco]:

Replying to [grigo]:
AFAIK, there r more standards available CE(european), UL(usa), CSA(canada) QC(manufactures), etc on back of electronics devices u will c on back of model.
hth.

Replying to [supraguy]:

Supraguy and Grigo...

You two are a wealth of information. Thanks for your help. The manufacturer is getting the certs for me as I type. Thanks again for all your help gentlemen. I've lurked for quite a while and have seen both of your postings. you guys are two of the most active participants in the Resources section of Alibaba. I was actually hoping to get at least one response from folks like you to help me out. I knew posting here would be beneficial.

Thanks again. Oh and Supraguy...right back at ya!

Replying to [supraguy]:

Hey Supraguy and/or Grigo:

Another question here... I just had Manufacturer of Brand XX call and say that the mark is on the back of each unit (I fully believe him due to the fact that this is a major manufacturer of product known globally). How do I convey to my buyer that I do not have a certificate in hand for Brand XX's two Models? Am I just to tell him that the CE mark is on the back of the unit and have him accept that as fact? I don't carry any on hand of these particular products and am buying direct from the distributor (so I can't look for myself and possibly photograph the mark).

What are your suggestions?

Thanks again gentlemen!

Hello,

In your positon one of the best things to do, is send the buyer the CE certification, and if he's knowledge is like the rest of buyers he should question any further into it,..just state what it stand for.
Try to also contact the manufacturer you are buying from, and ask if they can take one or two pictures with the label on the back of the item for the first order, and that you'll add in extra money for this job.
When you further recieve the products, take the pictures yourself for future reference and questioning from buyers.

Best Regards,
Martin

Your best bet is to " GOOGLE " it.

You'll get millions of reading and learning material.

Hope this helps.